Homeschool mom looking to school for nursing

[jujubuttons]

Hi, new here. I am discerning returning to school for nursing and trying to figure out the best path. I can't go full-time right now and I know I could get an Associates at a local nursing school by going part-time evenings/weekends but I'm not sure if that's the most efficient use of my time and background.

I am 37, have a BA theology ('02), and MA psychology ('05). I worked in behavioral medicine at a top 5 cancer hospital after earning my master's. I can place out of a few classes, like English comp, gen psych, statistics and hopefully Bioethics. In no particular order, my areas of interest ok nursing are oncology, hospice/palliative care, and geriatrics. Looking for recommendations on where to begin. Thank you!

[llg, PhD, RN]

Here are a few questions to consider as you mull things over:

1. What is the job market for new grads with Associates Degrees in your area? In some places, it is very difficult to get certain types of jobs as a new grad unless you have a BSN. If that's the case -- and you want to work for an employer that prefers BSN's, then you may need to re-think that option to get an ADN. Look at the job adds for your town and talk to some local nurses to find out what types of jobs will be available to you as a new grad with an ADN/

2. What are your long-term goals? Do they involve "moving up the career ladder" in nursing? If so, it might be easier and quicker for you to get a BSN as your first degree. Research you local BSN programs and find out what that would require of you.

3. There may also be some special options available for you because of your previous education? For example, where I live (Virginia) people in your position can attend their local Community College for the ADN while simultaneously taking online courses for their BSN from Old Dominion University. The "dual enrollment" program decreases the total number of courses taken, thus saving the student both time and money. There are also programs that offer "accelerated BSN's and/or "direct-entry Master's Degrees."

Without know what your choices are (what options are available in your area) it's impossible to know which would be your best option. If I were in your position, I would be finding out what options existed in your area and what each option would require timewise and cost financially. I would also be exploring your LOCAL job market to see whether or not an ADN was a degree that would get you the type of job you want or not.

Good luck.

[jujubuttons]

Thank you, that's very helpful. As far as I can tell, the job market is decent for RN's without a BSN here. Some jobs require you to get a BSN within x years of hire.

If I could pull it off schedule-wise, I would definitely like to pursue an advanced degree, and practice as a NP.

[AdaKate]

I am in the same boat and about to apply to an ADN program. I'd love to know what curriculum y'all are using during nursing school!

[TheDudeWithTheBigDog, ADN, RN]

If you can go part time and get your RN license, I think that's your best path. One thing a lot of people overlook going into nursing school: Are you even going to like nursing? Do you want to spend money on an expensive accelerated BSN program to find out you hate it, or would you rather only spend $2k on a community college and realize you hate it? Unless you have a history within nursing (like working as an aide) it's hard for me to recommend going straight to a BSN. It's why I'd recommend community college and an associates degree over going immediately into any 4 year school. Go the cheap way, and see if that's really what you want to do for the rest of your life.